BJP Claims NC-Congress Plot to End Reservations in J&K

BJP leader Devendra Rana raised concerns over the NC and Congress' plans to end reservations for Dalits, Gujjars, and OBCs in Jammu and Kashmir if they come to power post-assembly elections. The elections are scheduled for three phases in September and October, with results on October 4.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Devendra Rana alarmed the public by revealing that the National Conference (NC) and the Congress have intentions to end reservations for Dalits, Gujjars, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at a press conference, he assured that the BJP will not let this happen, signaling the party's readiness to form the government in the Union Territory.

His remarks follow the recent alliance between the NC and Congress for the upcoming Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, set to be held in three phases on September 18, 25, and October 1. Election results will be announced on October 4.

Rana condemned the NC's election manifesto, describing it as a document designed to unite anti-national forces. He criticized the Congress for its alliance with NC, stating that Congress has a history of prioritizing power over people's interests. He emphasized that ending reservations for marginalized communities would be detrimental and stressed BJP's commitment to preventing it.

Ahead of the elections, the NC and Congress asserted they reached an agreement on most seats. In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, the NC won two seats in Anantnag and Srinagar, while Congress failed to secure any.

Nomination papers are due by August 27, with 24 seats up for election in the first phase on September 18. The affected constituencies include Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, Rajpora, Zainapora, Shopian, and others. A total of 90 assembly constituencies will go to polls, marking the first such election since 2014. Counting is scheduled for October 4. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)